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I had no idea what to say, so I patted his arm like he had the kiln.
He cleared his throat. “Tell me about your beau.”
What could I say that would make sense to anyone but Levi and me? We’d met two weeks ago and were mad about each other. I’d spent seven days in what had become one of my favorite places in the world with a man who mattered more to me than everyone but Niven. “It’s new but, um, intense.”
“I saw the two of you looking at the house next door.”
“We did.”
“Going to make an offer on it?”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. It would be quite an outlay of cash after what I’ve already spent on the studio. I mean, it was worth every penny. More, actually.”
Mike surprised me and squeezed my hand. “Settle down, lass. I’m teasing.”
“You aren’t the real estate agent, are you?” I asked, putting my hand on my hip.
“Nah. I own the place.”
I laughed. I should’ve guessed.
“I think you should move in, even if you don’t buy it.”
I scrunched my eyes. “And why is that?”
“You belong there. If you want, I’ll give you a tour after I show you how to use this ol’ gal.” He patted the side of the kiln a second time.
My mobile rang. “Sorry, but could you excuse me for just a moment?”
He motioned with his hand and nodded.
I almost answered, “Miss me already?” but thought better of it. Thankfully, I had since my mother’s name appeared on the screen.
“Hello,” I said, wishing I’d thought to let the call go to voicemail.
“Eliza, your father tells me you’re in town.”
“I’m not, actually.”
“Tell me you haven’t returned to that God-awful city in Scotland.”
I rolled my eyes. “Edinburgh, and no, I haven’t.”
“Right. That one. So, does that mean you’re in Alfriston?”
“No, but close. I’m in Brighton.” I squeezed my eyes closed and would’ve hit myself in the head if I didn’t have a witness. What in the world had possessed me to tell her where I was?
“I need to see you. It’s a matter of some urgency,” said my mother.
“My apologies, but I don’t know when I’ll return to London.”
“I’ll come to you. I should arrive around five.”
“Millicent, err, Mother, that isn’t necessary. I’ll ring you back tomorrow and let you know when I can be in the city.”
“As I said, there’s some urgency. I’ll ring when I’m closer, and you can let me know where you’d like to meet.”
I dropped my hand when she ended the call, and looked up at the ceiling. If there was anyone I didn’t want to see today, other than my father, it was her. “Bloody hell,” I muttered, then remembered Mike was within hearing distance. “I, um, that’s to say…”